Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB) president Raphael Ngarambe has called on the 24 clubs competing in the ongoing Africa Men’s Volleyball Club Championship in Kigali to use sport as a force for unity beyond the court, promoting fairness, respect, and shared humanity.

He made the remarks on Tuesday as players and officials paid tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi.

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Inaugurated in 2004, the memorial is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims. It features several sections, including a history museum, a children’s memorial, and mass graves among others.

After touring the site and receiving a historical briefing, Ngarambe emphasized the importance of remembrance with purpose. He urged participants to reject genocide ideology and to use social media responsibly to promote peace and reconciliation.

"There was a time when our country could not host such a prestigious championship due to limited infrastructure. Today, we gather like this because of the peace we have built. Athletes should compete, but also stand against anything that threatens that peace,” he said.

He also encouraged the 15 participating African nations to carry forward lessons from Rwanda’s history. "Building a better community starts with unity. From that perspective, nothing we aspire to is beyond reach,” he added.

Shila Omuriwe Buyungo, an instructor with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), echoed the message, reflecting on her experience of Rwanda before the 1994 atrocities that claimed more than one million lives in just 100 days. She stressed the need for love and compassion both on and off the court.

"Volleyball teaches fairness, but it goes beyond the game. Differences on the court should remain there. Off the court, we must respect and support one another. Rwanda’s journey shows that love and forgiveness are essential to progress,” she said.

All teams are teams taking a one-day break before returning to action for the knockout stage and classification matches on Wednesday, April 29.